For Florence Bridge, London is so much more than home. “I like knowing the people who are making my products – it’s a very personal process,” says the young fashion designer. Working with a leather factory based in London Fields, Bridge developed her own signature patchwork-stitching technique. “I love collecting interesting pieces of leather then combining them to create unique well-made pieces that women can wear and love over and over again.”

Florence Bridge

Prints are always the starting point of her design process, in which the designer looks towards the natural world for inspiration. Images from American artist Bryan Nash Gill’s Woodcut series feature prominently in her Spring/Summer 2016 collection, where the artistic collaboration allowed Bridge to play with scale and colour to create graphics that are digitally printed onto silk. “I like to start by getting physical and doing something with my hands. This season I’ve been trying out all different types of marbling, then tearing up the oil-printed paper and reconstructing the pieces to resemble waves. I like making a mess!”

While classic and wearable, her garments have an undoubtedly contemporary aesthetic, where the designer uses leather, responsibly sourced shearling textures and large-scale digital silk prints with embellishments to give her pieces a modern flourish. “I recently made a series of patchwork leather tour outfits for Shirley Manson of Garbage for part of her European tour. She was the coolest person I’ve ever met, so humble and intelligent. The best!”

A look from her Autumn/Winter 2016 collection

After making her debut London Fashion Week appearance with her Autumn/Winter 2016 collection, Bridge is currently working towards the next season where she will be showcasing her Spring/Summer 2017 collection as part of the British Fashion Council’s Designer Showrooms at Brewer Street Car Park. Below, Florence shares what her week of plans and preparations for September will look like.

Monday: Parliament Hill Fields (Hampstead Heath, North London, NW3 1TH)

I’ve lived next to Hampstead Heath for most of my life. I love taking Nelson, my Dalmatian, with me to the Heath every morning. Usually, I run up to Kenwood House then back past the Ladies’ Pond (too cold for me!) then up to the top of Parliament Hill where you will find the best views of London. It’s the most refreshing way to start the day and always clears my mind, making me focused and relaxed for the day ahead. It’s so rural as well (which is why I love it), as the Heath is not like most of London’s other parks.

Tuesday: Reptile House at the London Zoo (ZSL London Zoo, Camden, NW1 4RY)

This has always been one of my favourite places to visit. As a child on trips to the Zoo, I would always head straight to the Reptile House with an equal amount of fascination and fear for these mysterious creatures. They are so dangerously elegant and move in the most beautiful way. Reptiles provide me with constant life inspiration.

Wednesday:

ALMA (12-14 Greatorex Street, Whitechapel E1 5NF)

Walter Reginald (6, 100 The Highway, Shadwell, E1W 2BX)  

Walter Reginald's fabric

I spend a lot of my time sourcing fabrics, especially leather, which is one of the best parts of being a designer! Two of my favourite places to look for leather are ALMA and Walter Reginald – both conveniently located in East London. They have the most incredible selection of leather and shearling fabrics, and there is always something new. I’m like a magpie for texture and these two places never disappoint me. Also, a huge plus – all their products are from sustainable sources and are ethically sourced.

Thursday: Patron Cave à Manger (26 Fortess Road, Kentish Town NW5 2HB)

Nearing the end of another work week, I like to unwind by walking to this small restaurant in Kentish Town – a hidden gem called Patron. I always feel like I’m in Paris when I’m there, and the food is amazing. I recommend the steaks, or if you’re a vegetarian, the wild mushrooms on toast is amazing! They have the sweetest little resident dog in there, too. #Northlondonforlife.

Friday: The Bar at the Gilbert Scott (St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston NW1 2AR)

After a busy work week, cocktails on a Friday are a must, and I like the bar at the Gilbert Scott in the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. It’s a little piece of old-world glamour in one of the busiest areas of London and the ambience is perfect to set the tone for the start of the weekend. When I’m there, I also take a minute or two to walk up the beautiful Grand Staircase - I love the colours and patterns, and the architecture is stunning. It’s also where the Spice Girls filmed their music video for Wannabe!, which always helps to spice up the evening.

Florence Bridge ready-to-wear clothing and accessories available from her online shop, Florencebridge.com.

Text by Steph Nowak